"I had to figure out, actually, how to fly," Cruise told reporters on the 124th floor observation area of the Burj Khalifa, which rises dozens of stories higher. "I had to figure out how to use my feet as a rudder ... The first couple of times I was slamming into the building."

Cruise spent months training on a four-story structure to practice his moves on the Burj. Most of the shots on the actual building were done in the shade to protect Cruise from high temperatures, as the facade heated up in sunlight.

At over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds the following records:

• Tallest building in the world
• Tallest free-standing structure in the world
• Highest number of stories in the world
• Highest occupied floor in the world
• Highest outdoor observation deck in the world
• Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world
• Tallest service elevator in the world

His first thought as he launched outside the building for the first time? "I hope I don't fall," he said.

Cruise said his wife Katie Holmes is supportive and accustomed to him taking risks on stunts. But that didn't make it any easier to watch.

Director Brad Bird said Holmes watched Cruise do a couple of takes on the side of the Burj before declaring: "OK, we're done."

The film is the fourth installment in the "Mission" series and opens in theaters on December 21, 2011.